by Bill Richards
2013 Atlanta Falcons
2012 Record: 13-3 (NFC South Champions); Lost to San Francisco, 28-24 in NFC Championship game.
Head Coach: Mike Smith (6th Season)
2013 Atlanta Falcons’ Schedule click here to view!
The Falcons are coming off a year that saw them make it to the NFC Championship game. A returning core could see them get there again this year. Lead by QB Matt Ryan, the Falcons have been one of the best regular-season franchises in the NFC in the past five seasons. There is no reason to think they won’t be in a similar position this year. With an offense ranked 8th overall in 2012, the team’s ability to move the ball should remain relatively potent with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones along with perennial play-maker and future Hall of Famer, TE Tony Gonzalez. Ryan has developed into one of the top QBs in the leage the past couple of seasons, pulling much of the weight of this offense.
Head Coach Mike Smith and team management realized something else needed to be added to push this team over the hump and into the last game of the post season in 2013. The Falcons recent drafts weighted heavily on defense, with six of eight picks going to that side of the ball. Cornerback and defensive end topped that list as pass rushing and pass defense will be essential to the Falcons limiting opponents’ offenses in 2013. Yes, first year players don’t always mean huge improvement right away, however, recognizing that need is a big step, and the Falcons have taken it. Ranked 24th overall on defense last season, Atlanta will need to improve in this area if they want to legitimately challenge the 49ers for the right to represent the NFC in a trip to the Super Bowl.
A good preseason does not mean a good regular season; however, seeing improvement early on to an otherwise strong team can only be a positive sign thus far. If the Falcons expect to open up with a run similar to their 8-0 start in 2012, it won’t be easy. But it could happen.
Biggest upside for Falcons in 2013: Return of Matt Ryan and a healthy offense coupled with a young, hungry defense that knows it must improve.
Bill’s Biggest questions for the Falcons in 2013: Can they sustain their defense and recover from departures of Dunta Robinson and John Abraham– veterans who played a good role on this team? The addition of Osi Umenyiora should help. Will the departure of Michael Turner a proven veteran running back hurt the team? Steven Jackson is more than enough to stay on his game and continue the ground attack for Atlanta.
Bill’s Final Falcons Thoughts and Prediction:
Bill’s 2013 Falcons Prediction: 12-4 (1st in NFC South). The Falcons will retain their title as NFC South Champions and continue to be a team that can win every week. However, the likelihood is that they won’t win every week, and may not start the season 8-0 again. But a solid team offense, an improved defense (which was not terrible last season), and the smell of the big game will drive this team to another playoff berth with a high seed. With the rest of the NFC South still improving (the other teams in the division all went 7-9 in 2012), the Falcons are poised to take the NFC South again and move deep in the playoffs, but they will not reach the Super Bowl. I have personally met owner Arthur Blank and he’s a nice, cordial guy, but nice and cordial do not win Super Bowls. However, I guess it gets you close.
Edited by: Todd LaPlante